Rome, Italy, September 24, 2021 – The first-ever UN Food Systems Summit ends today with the commitments of all the stakeholders involved in this process to work together to realize the vision for a better world.
The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), together with other fellow food producers’ organizations from different corners of the globe, was there to bring a strong united voice into the debate and reiterate the farmers are the solution to the achievement of sustainable food systems.
“Sustainable food production systems should be recognized as an essential solution to these existing challenges. It is possible to feed a growing global population while protecting our planet,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his Statement of Action.
He stressed the importance of building on good practices, investing in science and innovation, and engaging all people, particularly producers.
“Transformative action demands the engagement and close participation of the people who drive our food systems, such as farmers, herders, food workers, and fisherfolk,” he stated, reminding that “the value of food must also be understood as far more than a mere commodity“.
The World Farmers’ Organisation played an active role in representing farmers’ voice during UNFSS2021
Over the last 18 months, WFO played an integral part in the design, preparation, and implementation of the process to make sure that those who produce food were not left behind in the Summit and its implementation in the run-up to 2030.
In particular, WFO has been advocating for an independent voice for the farmers, fishers and all food producers.
Today at the Summit, the UN SG announced the establishment of a Champions Advisory Group, with a dedicated representation of priority constituencies, particularly Producers, Youth, Women and Indigenous Peoples, to ensure a robust follow-up to the Summit. This should include ensuring that platforms for implementation and pathways account for the perspectives of these voices and issues.
Farmers and all Food Producers are key to build more sustainable and resilient Food Systems – WFO President Theo de Jager
“Farmers are part of the solution. We are not just invited to dinner but called into the kitchen“, stated the WFO President Theo de Jager during his inspiring speech at the Summit, proud of the joint declaration that World Food Producers have signed, proposing solutions that are based on their practical experience on the land, inclusive, locally implemented and ready for scaling up.
Farmers, fishers and all food producers anchor the food systems, but they are not alone in this game.
It’s key that we talk with farmers as partners and equal actors in a system, in the framework of SDG17, with all the stakeholders going in the same direction.
Now it’s time to jump into action to succeed in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the vision of more inclusive, sustainable and resilient Food Systems, and farmers are ready to do it.